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Peace

I love noise. I surround myself with noise. There are likely to be many pupils reading this shocked, as I’m always asking them to be quiet. But I honestly do like noise (in the appropriate places). I am always listening to music as I’m walking to and from work, whilst I’m doing work, whilst I’m cooking, whilst I’m washing up, and whilst I’m running. I am also a very loud person. Therefore, I always panic when I have to talk/write about the topic of peace. But once again that’s because of the way we use the word peace.

We quite often talk about peace in terms of noise. Once children have gone to bed; once the loud music has stopped; once the computer game has been turned off; once you’ve got out of a crowded place – we respond with something like “Oh it’s nice to have some peace and quiet”. It is nice, and it can be beneficial, but when Jesus came and was known as the Prince of Peace, is that what was meant? Jesus, the Prince of quietness. It doesn’t have quite the same ring about it does it? In fact, Jesus was always talking, he was often surrounded by people. Yes, he had times of solitude which were necessary but the rest of the time noise was essential.

We live in a world where there is a lot of turmoil, and fighting. We turn on the news to hear horror stories of what is happening in the world. This is where the word peace is used again. That we wish we lived in a world of peace. It’s often an answer given at beauty pageants. It’s not something you can really argue with, wouldn’t we all love to live in a peaceful world? But, seriously, what can we actually do about it? We can’t bring about world peace. So surely it’s better just to talk about it as a wish?

Enter Jesus… the Prince of Peace.

Our thought for the week says “For Jesus, peace seems to have meant not the absence of struggle, but the presence of Love.” We can do that.

When Jesus came he didn’t try to fight against the authorities, or get rid of the Roman rule. He loved. He spent time with people, he taught people, he built up relationships with people. We can do that.

He went to people who had been outcast from society, who were considered outsiders. He helped those who were sick. We can do that.

He ate with people. He laughed with people. He cried with people. We can do that.

Jesus came to reunite people with God, but also to reunite people. It is scary to think about the prospect of world peace, and the part we can play. But we can love those we are in contact with on a daily basis (not just friends and family). A simple act of love can affect someone in a way you cannot imagine, and then that can have a ripple effect, suddenly, before you know it you have started to bring Peace to the world.

Prayer – Thank you Father that you sent Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to bring us back to you. May you help us to bring your peace to the world. Amen.

Challenge – Mother Theresa said “Peace begins with a smile”. What can you do to show love and bring peace in your community? A smile; an open door; carrying a bag; saying good morning. Let me know!